A special establishment designed to offer free treatment for mental health patients has been launched in Shanghai.

Located in the Shanghai Mental Health Center (SMHC), the "New Beginning" facility would serve as a third option for patients suffering from psychiatric disorders after home and hospitals, said Tang Wenzhong, director of the rehabilitation section of SMHC.

Xu Yifeng, deputy head of SMHC, said the facility was staffed by professional psychiatrists, psychologists, legal experts, nurses and social workers.

Patients will receive rehabilitation by learning skills, such as music, dance, calligraphy and cooking, and be taught communication and social skills, as well as training in household duties such as managing finances.

"Our society has a blind spot towards helping and caring for psychiatric patients," said Xu. "They are hospitalized unnecessarily and can be discharged into the community before they are ready."

New Beginning already had nine patients, said Xu, who added the new facility received sponsorship from AstraZeneca, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company.

"We will extend the program to more mental health organizations in the city if New Beginning proves a success," said Xu.

Similar rehabilitation services were available in nine other Chinese cities, including Beijing, Tianjin and Guangzhou, said Xu.

More than 83 million people suffer from mental disorders in China, according to official estimates.

(Xinhua News Agency August 25, 2007)